Over 49 things to see and do in San Francisco

CaptionCalifornia Academy of Sciences

Tim Griffith / California Academy of Sciences

These people put a buzz in biology. On NightLife Thursday nights, the museum goes adults-only, with thumping music, crazy lights, multiple bars and table tennis. (Who knew that Berlin-style table tennis was such a big thing in the city?) You'll likely find a DJ or live band in the building's...

These people put a buzz in biology. On NightLife Thursday nights, the museum goes adults-only, with thumping music, crazy lights, multiple bars and table tennis. (Who knew that Berlin-style table tennis was such a big thing in the city?) You'll likely find a DJ or live band in the building's... (Tim Griffith / California Academy of Sciences)

Aside from the bison roaming nearby, these fly-casting practice ponds might be the most surprising and alluring park attraction in America. The casting pools draw world championships and expert anglers from the members-only lodge nearby. But the facility is also open to the public at no charge....

Aside from the bison roaming nearby, these fly-casting practice ponds might be the most surprising and alluring park attraction in America. The casting pools draw world championships and expert anglers from the members-only lodge nearby. But the facility is also open to the public at no charge.... (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The conservatory is a symphony of plant life. Through its 16,000 whitewashed panes of glass, the sun shines on hibiscus, bromeliads, ferns, taro plants, water lilies, lotus and more. Catch a tour with a docent at 11 a.m., 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. and learn, as I did, about such weird specimens as the...

The conservatory is a symphony of plant life. Through its 16,000 whitewashed panes of glass, the sun shines on hibiscus, bromeliads, ferns, taro plants, water lilies, lotus and more. Catch a tour with a docent at 11 a.m., 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. and learn, as I did, about such weird specimens as the... (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)

The museum's ninth-floor observation deck offers a vertigo-inducing 360-degree view of the western end of San Francisco, including the upper-most spires of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take several laps around the perimeter to scope out the sights through the floor-to-ceiling windows, stop at the...

The museum's ninth-floor observation deck offers a vertigo-inducing 360-degree view of the western end of San Francisco, including the upper-most spires of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take several laps around the perimeter to scope out the sights through the floor-to-ceiling windows, stop at the... (Mark Darley, Corporation of Fine Arts)

Start with views and history at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center (opened in 2012) on the city's western edge. Then prowl the ruins of the Sutro Baths (pictured). Next, nip into the Cliff House for a pricey ocean-view meal or to nearby Louis' for a cup of red chowder. But you want to raise a...

Start with views and history at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center (opened in 2012) on the city's western edge. Then prowl the ruins of the Sutro Baths (pictured). Next, nip into the Cliff House for a pricey ocean-view meal or to nearby Louis' for a cup of red chowder. But you want to raise a... (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

For a small city (about 7 miles by 7 miles), San Francisco changes fast, especially the restaurants. If your itinerary is dominated by reassuring old favorites (Union Square, again! City Lights books, again!), you may be missing a lot. To remedy that, six of us fanned out across the 49 square...